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#### 1. Prepare the Veggies
Start by preparing the vegetables for the slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrot. Add the diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, and green onions. Toss everything together until evenly mixed. The colorful mix of cabbage, peppers, and carrots will give your coleslaw a vibrant, appealing look.
#### 2. Make the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, and chili powder. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar and lime, while the cumin and chili powder bring the signature smoky and spicy flavors of the Southwest. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
#### 4. Let It Sit
For the best flavor, allow the coleslaw to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together, making the slaw even tastier. You can make it ahead of time, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
#### 5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the coleslaw has chilled and the flavors have come together, give it one last toss before serving. This Southwestern Coleslaw is perfect alongside grilled meats, tacos, or even as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.
– **Adjust the Heat**: If you like your coleslaw with a little more spice, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. Conversely, if you prefer it milder, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or leave them out altogether.
– **Make It Vegan**: For a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative like vegan mayo or cashew cream. Honey can be swapped for maple syrup or agave for a fully plant-based option.
– **Add Crunch**: To enhance the crunch of your coleslaw, consider adding some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra bite and flavor.
– **Experiment with Other Veggies**: While the classic cabbage and carrot combo is delicious, feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like shredded radishes, sliced celery, or even corn for added texture and flavor.
– **Serve Immediately or Make Ahead**: While this coleslaw can be served immediately, it actually gets better as it sits in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop, and the cabbage softens just enough to create a deliciously refreshing texture.
– **With Grilled Meats**: Southwestern Coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, such as pulled pork, grilled chicken, or burgers. The creamy, zesty coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory meats.
– **As a Taco Topping**: Serve it as a topping for tacos or burritos. It pairs especially well with spicy grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or even vegetarian options like black bean or roasted veggie tacos.
– **On the Side**: Pair it with any summer barbecue dish or cookout favorites like ribs, hot dogs, or roasted vegetables. The crunch and vibrant flavors make it a standout side dish.
– **In Sandwiches or Wraps**: Add a generous scoop of this coleslaw into sandwiches or wraps for added flavor and texture. It’s great in a chicken wrap or as a topping for veggie burgers.
Southwestern Coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making it even more flavorful the next day. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to consume it within a couple of days as the cabbage can become soggy if left too long.
### Conclusion: A Bold Side Dish with a Burst of Flavor
So, next time you’re in the mood for something a little different, give Southwestern Coleslaw a try. It’s the perfect side dish to add some excitement and crunch to your meal, and you may just find yourself making it over and over again.
